The Energy Chronicles

The EPA named Des Moines Public Schools ENEGY STAR Partner of the Year

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year this week! DMPS has put an emphasis on improving its schools through energy management and whole building improvements. This emphasis has garnered Forty-three out of Des Moines’s 60 schools to be ENERGY STAR – rated, meaning they cost forty cents per square foot less to operate than the average performers.

EPA administrator Lisa P. Jackson released a statement about the award.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ENERGY STAR program, EPA is proud to recognize Des Moines Public Schools with the 2012 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award. The Des Moines school district and all our ENERGY STAR award winners are improving the energy efficiency of the places where we work, play and learn, which is good for our climate, the health of our economy, and our future.”

The EPA’s ENERGY STAR Awards annually honor organizations who are protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency practices. The award recipients are selected each year from about 20,000 partners who participate in the ENERGY STAR program. During the awards ceremony, there are three types of awards given to several organizations.

ENERGY STAR Award for Sustained Excellence

ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year

ENERGY STAR Award for Excellence

In 2007, Davenport Community Schools was also recognized as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year.

We are very proud of Des Moines Public Schools and their achievements. With the help of MidAmerican Energy and The Energy Group, the DMPS Energy Management Program has been able to achieve the following successes:

$1.7 million in energy costs have been avoided since the launch of the ENERGY STAR initiative in Des Moines Public Schools three years ago.

70% of the districts Energy Star buildings have a rating of 90 and above.

Between fiscal year 2007-08 and fiscal year 2009-10, DMPS reduced energy use by 60,913 mBtu, preventing the emission of almost 5,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide, or the equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from more than 1,100 passenger vehicles.

Established the Iowa Energy and Sustainability Academy, a college-level instruction and work learning program about alternative energy and environmental science.

Because of our involvement, Des Moines Public Schools graciously invited Les Wilson to attend the ENERGY STAR Awards Ceremony on Thursday in Washington DC. Have fun enjoying your 60th Birthday in Washington D.C., Les! Also a big congratulations is in order for the achievements of Des Moines Public Schools, thank you for all of your hard work and your continued commitment to energy efficiency!